Startups in the marine and yachting industry are invited to apply to pitch for funding at the upcoming GCC Smart Yachting Days event in Dubai, which takes place from 28-29 February 2024.

Yachting Ventures and Monaco Marina Management (M3) are partnering to host the event, during which ten selected startups will present their pitches at an Innovation Competition.

Aligning with the Dubai International Boat Show, which draws industry experts from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the two-day gathering will allow industry professionals to engage in discussions addressing the future of sustainability within the marine and yachting sectors. The 2023 edition had participation from over 70 influential figures in the yachting industry.

This year, the event will include a schedule of workshops and discussions involving key industry stakeholders. Topics covered will include how GCC countries can promote sustainable economic growth, as well as how to balance luxury with responsible practices and circular economy strategies for sustainable yachting.

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As part of the event, ten startups will have the opportunity to participate in an Innovation Competition, designed to acknowledge and reward those presenting the most ground-breaking solutions within the industry.

Yachting Ventures, the global hub for startups and scaleups in the leisure marine industry, has been tasked with scouting for these ten startups to pitch their solutions to an audience of industry professionals and investors. The goal will be to secure five startups building new products to advance the sustainability of marinas, and five startups building products and technologies for the future of sustainable yachts.

“Having worked with the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show in 2023, we recognise the significant potential for yachting in the region and the willingness of key stakeholders to invest into innovation,” says Gabbi Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures. “We hope that the GCC Smart Yachting Days will help catalyse investments into the startups within our network, and we look forward to building on collaboration with the M3 team.”

“GCC Smart Yachting Days aims to bring together the industry’s visionary minds to explore opportunities for expansion in a high-growth market while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability,” comments José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3. “Let’s collectively make sustainable resolutions to explore new territories, harmonising technical innovation with environmental integrity, forging a responsible future for yachting in the GCC countries.”

Applications to pitch in the competition can be made online, with potential entrants invited to email for more information.

The deadline to apply is Friday, 16 February 2024.

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